Personal Hygiene

All women need to clean their outer genital areas and anus if engaging in anal sex. Cleaning of genitals needs to be done so as to prevent infections as well as bad odours. Do not go overboard with vigorous washing of the vagina especially with scented liquids as it affects the pH balance of the vagina and can make you prone to infections such as Bacterial Vaginosis.

Some women choose to douche (i.e. flush water or bethadine up the vagina) in order to clear vaginal discharge. Douching removes the healthy bacteria that are necessary to maintain the right pH in the vagina. Douching also pre-disposes females to infections such as Bacterial vaginosis.

When on their menstrual cycle, tampons and sanitary pads should be changed after every three to six hours depending on the menstrual flow. Keeping them for a long time may let bacteria thrive causing bad odour and infections. Toxic shock syndrome which is caused by strands of the Staphylococcusbacteria. It is caused by tampons that are worn for more than six hours at a time, menstruation, surgery or recently having a baby. Although there isn’t a test for it, it is diagnosed through the symptoms of fever, low blood pressure, problems with at least three organs and a rash that last up to 2 weeks. Other symptoms may include diarrhoea, headaches, chills, nausea, muscle aches, red eyes and throat, and in some cases seizures.

Sweaty clothes and underwear after a workout should be changed quickly. Bacteria and fungal infections flourish in sweat conditions. Sweat, dust and shaving of genital hair can cause cause folliculitus, where the hair follicles get inflamed and infected .

Never hold on to the urge of going to the washroom to urinate, especially before practicing sex. Urinating makes your bladder get rid of bacteria and toxins that thrive in the urinary tract. Delaying urination speeds up breeding of bacteria which leads to infections. A bladder full of urine makes your urethra prone to infection from your vagina or your partner’s penis.

Do not wear tight underwear or tight fitting jeans for a long time. Choose natural fabrics such as cotton instead of synthetics for your innerwear.